Harry Robinson’s second half score proved to be the key moment, the Cardiff Blues winger scoring Wales’ only try following a superb pass from Liam Williams.Â
Japan actually outscored Wales two tries to one, Michael Broadhurst and Yoshikazu Fujita their scorers either side of half time. Broadhurst’s score and the boot of Ayumu Goromaru had given Japan an 11-6 half time lead but a couple of missed penalties came back to haunt them.
Dan Biggar’s kicks had kept Wales in the game though they did struggle at times against the physical Cherry Blossoms.
But Robinson’s score proved to be crucial and although Wales had to hang on at the end, they did enough to earn the win.
The home side had enjoyed a superb start, using their forwards to gain the upper hand in the opening exchanges. Wales initially struggled to get their backs into the game and with things dominated up front, Japan moved into a 6-0 lead.
Scrum half Fumiaki Tanakaa was their inspiration and it wasn’t long before full back Goromaru kicked Japan’s first penalty of the day. It soon got better for Eddie Jones’ men, impressive ball retention in the Wales 22 causing the visitors plenty of problems. It resulted in Japan earning another penalty in front of the posts, Rob McCusker perhaps harshly yellow carded for his role in its concession.
Goromaru put the simple kick between the uprights and midway through the first half, 14-man Wales trailed 6-0. If Robin McBryde’s men had struggled early on, they actually seemed to perform better a man light. Biggar soon got Wales on the board with a penalty of his own and after putting another kick wide, a decision he disputed, the Ospreys man levelled things up with a superb long range kick.
Despite being back in the game, the contact area had been a source of disappointment for Wales as they struggled to contest Japan’s possession. And on the verge of half time, the home side moved back into the lead, Broadhurst crashing over in the corner. It was a well worked move from a short line-out, the ball popped up on the blindside for the openside flanker to cross for the first try of the day. Goromaru missed the conversion but his side deservedly led at the break.
If Wales hadn’t known it already, the first half had shown they were very much in a Test match. Goromaru had a chance to extend Japan’s lead at the start of the second half but put a penalty effort wide, something Biggar took advantage of to narrow Wales’ deficit just a couple of minutes later.
Goromaru’s waywardness from the tee had kept Wales in the game but as the second half wore on, there were a few more encouraging signs for the men in red. Debut wing Dafydd Howells showed impressive strength to hold off the Japan defence but after putting Liam Williams through to score, play was pulled back after Howells’ foot was adjudged to have been in touch. The move seemed to give Wales confidence though, Biggar then giving Wales the lead for the first time with his fourth penalty.
With the likes of Howells and Robinson in their side, Wales had plenty of firepower but neither wing had seen much ball up until the hour mark. All that changed in the 63rd minute though as Wales’ attacking game finally clicked.
Liam Williams was the creator, showing lovely hands in the tackle to break the Japanese defence. The ball was then spread through Emyr Phillips and Owen Williams to Robinson who dotted down in the corner. Biggar converted and with a 19-11 lead, Wales looked to have a winning cushion.
And while wing Fujita crossed for Japan’s second score, converted by Goromaru, a late penalty from replacement Rhys Patchell sealed a narrow Wales win.
